Notwithstanding almost daily rains from May 8th to the end of the season, strawberries did very well in this section, yielding fairly and commanding moderately good prices. Subjoined are notes of a few kinds :

Crystal City ripened May 10th and continued about ten days. Though a small berry, its earli-ness and flavor make it desirable where there is a home market.

Triumph of Cumberland ripened next in order, commencing May 17th and continuing until June 9th. For size, flavor and length of season, this variety continues in the lead, retaining its size to the latest picking.

Sharpless matured May 19th. A splendid berry; large, highly flavored, but too soft to bear transportation. For domestic use and home market it is among the best.

Manchester ripened May 22d and held on until June 10th. A large, late, very firm berry; prolific as Triumph of Cumberland. Its pronounced pistillate character requiring so much fertilization is an objection.

Glendale, an unprepossessing, large topped, acid berry, matured May 24th, and yielded very heavily. In spite of its acidity, it can be utilized as a late berry.

Wilson's Albany can't be spared yet. It is so firm and prolific that shippers cannot throw it aside entirely, as none of the larger and sweeter berries can equal it in firmness. This season it ripened with the Sharpless, a few days later than the Triumph of Cumberland - usually it matures with or precedes the latter. The season has been too wet for an accurate judgment of the merit of new kinds on trial in small lots.

Raspberries commenced ripening June 8th and are still on hand. The Cuthbert and Gregg are the only varieties cultivated for market in this section. Both of these have done well.

The Black Rot has improved its opportunity and is sweeping the vineyards regardless of race or color. Red, white, blue and black fare alike. Norton, Concord, Delaware, Brighton, Pockling-ton - in fact, all varieties - are attacked by it. Two weeks since, the prospect was fine for an enormous crop; now it is doubtful whether there will be a sound bunch left. It extends to all the vineyards we have seen in this section.

Is there anything new or old about the "woolly" Aphis that you can tell us? It is unusually prevalent on the young apple trees this summer. Has the wet weather anything to do with it?

Richmond, Va., July 1st, 1886.